Using location information to control transmission signal levels of wireless devices

ABSTRACT

A power control device for adjusting power output levels can include a transmitter configured to transmit at least one first signal, and a receiver configured to receive at least one second signal. In addition, the power control device can have a processing unit configured to determine at least one location information based on the first signal and the second signal, and a power adjusting unit configured to adjust a power output level corresponding to the at least one location information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/409,938, entitled Using Location Information toControl Power Output in Master Device, with the Power being ControlledBased on Determined Location, filed Sep. 12, 2002. The contents of theprovisional application are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus forusing signal-generated location information to control transmissionlevels of a device in a wireless communication network environment suchas IEEE 802.11, BLUETOOTH™, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or any other wirelessenvironment. In particular, the present invention relates to a method ofand a system of optimizing power usage based on the distance rangelocation information of mobile wireless device. The present inventioncan be implemented in a wireless network device, which may includediscrete devices or which may be implemented on a semiconductorsubstrate such as a silicon chip.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Currently, cables and wires are predominately used as thecommunication medium for transferring information such as voice, video,data, etc. from one source to another. For example, cables or wires arecommonly used to set up networking infrastructures in business offices,and are also used for personal home computing, and for connecting to theInternet. Generally, the wired devices connected to a wired network canderive its power source from an electrical outlet. Accordingly, wireddevices can generally be provided with a steady flow of power so long asthe wired device is physically connected through cables or wires to theelectrical outlet. Thus, regulating or controlling power output or powerconsumption may not be a concern for wired devices.

[0006] As wireless technology continues to advance and grow, and aswireless services become increasingly convenient, the usage and thepopularity of wireless devices will also increase especially in publicareas. In contrast to wired devices, wireless devices generally deriveits power from power sources such as batteries or battery packs housedwithin the wireless devices. And because each power source housed withinthe wireless devices can store only a limited amount of power, it isimportant to optimize the usage of such power source by minimizing powerconsumption where possible. Accordingly, one way to help optimize theusage of the power source stored within the wireless device is tocontrol power output of device based on signal-generated locationinformation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One example of the present invention can include a method ofadjusting power output of a device in a wireless network. The method caninclude the steps of activating a power control device, transmitting afirst signal from the power control device, and receiving a secondsignal at the power control device. In addition, the method can includethe steps of determining a location information on at least one wirelessdevice based on the first signal and the second signal, and adjusting apower output level corresponding to the location information.

[0008] In another example, the present invention can relate to a powercontrol device for adjusting power output level of a device in awireless network. The power control device can have a transmitterconfigured to transmit a first signal, and a receiver configured toreceive a second signal. Furthermore, the power control device can havea processing unit configured to determine a location information on atleast one wireless device based on the first signal and the secondsignal, and a power adjusting unit configured to adjust a power outputlevel corresponding to the a location information.

[0009] Additionally, another example of the present invention canprovide a system for adjusting power output of a wireless device in awireless network. The system of adjusting power output can include anactivating means for activating a power control device, a transmittingmeans for transmitting a first signal from the power control device, anda receiving means for receiving a second signal at the power controldevice. Also, the system can include a determining means for determininga location information on at least one wireless device based on thefirst signal and the second signal, and an adjusting means for adjustinga power output level corresponding to the location information.

[0010] In another example, the present invention can provide a method ofcontrolling transmission signal levels of a device in a wirelessnetwork. The method can include the steps of determining a locationinformation of a device, and transmitting a signal for controllingtransmission signal levels of the device. The transmission signal levelscan cause no transmission interference.

[0011] In yet another example, the present invention can relate to atransmission signal level controlling device for controlling thetransmission signal levels of a device in wireless network. The devicecan have a determination unit configured to determine a locationinformation of a device, and a transmitting unit configured to transmita signal to adjust transmission signal levels of the device, wherein thetransmission signal levels do not cause transmission interference.

[0012] Additionally, another example of the present invention canprovide a system for controlling transmission signal levels of awireless device in a wireless network. The system can have a determiningmeans for determining a location information of a device, and atransmission means for transmitting a signal for controllingtransmission signal levels of the device, wherein the transmissionsignal levels do not cause transmission interference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For proper understanding of the invention, reference should bemade to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless networkconfiguration;

[0015]FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a wireless networkconfiguration;

[0016]FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart illustrating one example of amethod of controlling power output based on signal-generated locationinformation;

[0017]FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration forcontrolling power output based on signal-generated location informationaccording to the present invention; and

[0018]FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a display configuration fordisplaying information related power output according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED OF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a wireless network. The wirelessnetwork of FIG. 1 can be an ad hoc network 100 having two or morewireless nodes, stations or devices 101 a, 101 b, 101 c, . . . 101 ntherein (hereinafter, any reference to device(s) shall also includenode(s) and/or station(s)). The ad hoc network 100 can be formed on atemporary basis whereby two or more wireless devices can recognize eachother and can establish communications with each other. The wirelessdevices can be any wireless communication device configured tocommunicate with the Internet and having multimedia capabilities. Forexample, devices 101 a, 101 b, 101 c, . . . 101 n can be a smart phone,PDA, a mobile laptop computer, a web-pad, a digital video camera, anautomobile equipped with a wireless communication device, or any mobileelectronic device. Within the ad hoc wireless network 100, each devicecan communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer level.

[0020] Another example of a wireless network is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2provides a wireless infrastructure network 210 containing an AccessPoint 215 connected with a LAN 205, such as an Ethernet LAN. Inaddition, the wireless infrastructure network 210 can contain devices220 a, 220 b, 220 c, 220 d, . . . 220 n. The Access Point 215 isconnected to the LAN 205 by wires or cables and can be formed as part ofthe wired network infrastructure 205, having at least one serviceprovider 200. One function of the Access Point 215 can be a bridge or aconnection between the wireless network 210 and the wired network 205.Accordingly, all communications between the devices 220 a, 220 b, 220 c,220 d, . . . 220 n or between the devices and the wired network 205 cango through Access Point 215.

[0021] The examples of wireless networks as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2can use wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11, BLUETOOTH™, UWB, etc.

[0022]FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a method of controlling poweroutput based on location information of a wireless device in accordancewith the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates one exampleof a method of using location information, such as distance rangelocation information and/or geographic position location information tocontrol power output. The method of the present example can beimplemented in hardware, or software, or a combination of both hardwareand software.

[0023] As mentioned above, a wireless network configuration can containtwo or more wireless devices therein. The wireless devices within awireless network can derive their power from a power source such as abattery housed within the wireless devices. Accordingly, in any wirelessdevice and/or wireless network, regulating power consumption isimportant since power consumption is directly related to the outputpower. For instance, when a wireless device does not regulate or controlits power output, the device can transmit signals or messages at thesame power level whether the receiving device is one meter away or tenmeters away. In addition, when there are two wireless devicescommunicating with each other and the two devices are close enough toeach other, this can cause the two devices to unnecessarily blast powerto one another. Accordingly, the power consumption of the two devicescan be unnecessarily consumed and wasted. Thus, FIG. 3 of the presentexample illustrates one example of using signal-generated locationinformation to control and regulate power consumption or power output.

[0024] A user having a wireless device can enter a geographic area andcan activate a power output control device locator within the wirelessdevice to detect, identify and provide a listing of available deviceswithin that geographic area. The power output control device can beintegrated with any wireless device and can be, for example, a featurewithin the wireless device. The module can be switched on or off. Byactivating the power output control device, the operations ofdetermining location information of available devices can be switched toactive mode.

[0025] Once the power output control device is activated, the device candetect location information, such as distance range information orgeographic position information of available wireless devices. In oneexample, the power output control device can start by transmittingsignals such as UWB signals within a maximum or default distance rangeat a corresponding maximum or default power output level at step 300.The power output control device can transmit UWB signals inunidirectional mode or omni-directional mode. In addition, the poweroutput control device can transmit signals in short pulses with shortduty cycles, and in device-specific bursts. The power output controldevice can ensure to detect and identify a maximum amount of availabledevices by initially transmitting signals within a maximum or defaultdistance range at a corresponding maximum or default power output level

[0026]FIG. 3 further shows the step of receiving signals at step 305.After the transmission of signals either uni-directionally oromni-directionally, the transmitted signals can come into contact withone or more devices within the distance range, and thereafter thesignals can reflect back to the power output control device where thereflected signals can be received by the receiver within the wirelessdevice.

[0027] Thereafter, the power output control device can monitor andregister the timing of the transmission of the signals as well as thetiming of the propagation of the signals. For examples, the power outputcontrol device can monitor and record the time at which each signal istransmitted. Once the transmitted signals are reflected back andreceived by the receiver, the power output control device can monitorand record the time at which each signal is received. Based on thisinformation, the power output control device can measure the total timeduration for a signal to travel from a transmitter of the power controldevice to another device, and be reflected back and received by thereceiver.

[0028] Based on this information and other factors, such as propagationdelay, the direction and angle of the signal transmission, the speed atwhich the signal travels compared to the speed at which light travels,etc., the power output control device can process the information in arange processor to determine the distance range of one or more availabledevice(s) at step 310, and can display or list the information on adisplay.

[0029] In another example, when the power output control device isactivated, the power output control device can start by transmitting oneor more range message signal(s) to one or more wireless device(s) atstep 300. The one or more range message signal(s) can be sent out from atransmitter within the wireless device. In addition, the range messagesignal(s) can be UWB signals transmitted in short duty cycles at astarting time T, such as T=0. Similar to the example above, thetransmission of the range message signals can be unidirectional oromni-directional.

[0030] After sending the range message signal(s), one or more availablewireless device(s) can receive the range message signal(s) at a time T1.T1 for example, can be the sum of time T, the time of the processingdelay ΔP, and the time of the first propagation delay ΔT₁. Thus, one ofthe available wireless devices can receive the range message signal attime T1, and can be represented as follows:

T1=T+ΔP+ΔT ₁

[0031] Once the available wireless device receives the range messagesignal(s), the available wireless device can process the received rangemessage. The available wireless device can determine whether or not toestablish communication with the originating device locator. In thealternative, the available wireless device can automatically respond andattempt to establish communication with the originating device locator.Thereafter, the available wireless device can send a range messageacknowledgement signal to the originating device locator at step 305.The range message acknowledgement signal can contain various informationabout the available device, such as the type of the device, protocolinformation, job queue information, etc. The available wireless devicecan send the range message acknowledgement signal at time T2. T2 forexample, can be the sum of time T, the time of the processing delay ΔP,the time of the first propagation delay ΔT₁, and the turn-around timeΔTA. The turn-around time ΔTA can represent the period of time from thetime the available wireless device receives the range message signal tothe time said available wireless device transmits the range messageacknowledgement signal. Accordingly, time T2 can be represented as thefollowing equation.

T2=T+ΔP+ΔT _(1+Δ) TA

[0032] At time T2, a range message acknowledgement signal can be sentfrom an available wireless device to the originating power outputcontrol device. After the range message acknowledgement signal reachesthe originating power output control device, the range messageacknowledgement signal can be received by the receiver. Once the rangemessage acknowledgment signal is received, the originating power outputcontrol device can determine a total time T_(Total). The total timeT_(Total) can be the sum of time T2 and the second propagation timedelay ΔT₂. Accordingly, the total time T_(Total) can be represented bythe following equation.

T _(Total) =T2+ΔT ₂

[0033] Based on the total time T_(Total), the information embeddedwithin the range message acknowledgement signal, and other factors suchas device related delays, the originating power output control devicecan thereby determine the distance range of the available wirelessdevice at step 310, and can display or list the information on adisplay.

[0034] In yet another example, when the power output control device isactivated, the device locator can determine the geographic position ofavailable devices. The power output control device can start bydetermining the surrounding environment in relation to the detectingdevice. In other words, when the geographic position locator isactivated, the geographic position locator can determine the geographicarea surrounding the power output control device through a geographicposition unit or other positioning systems such as Global PositioningSystem.

[0035] Suppose for example a user with a wireless device enters a coffeeshop in a downtown area of Washington, D.C. Upon entering the coffeeshop, the user activates the geographic position locator and selects thegeographic position detection mode. The activation and selection of thegeographic position locator accesses the geographic position unitwherein the geographic position unit determines that the surroundingenvironment of the user's wireless device is within the geographicvicinity of 17^(th) Street and L Street in downtown Washington, D.C.Once the surrounding geographic area of the detecting wireless device isdetermined, the geographic position locator can display a geographic mapoverlay of the area surround 17^(th) Street and L Street.

[0036] Next, the geographic position locator of the present example candetermine it's own position in relation to the immediate surroundingenvironment. In other words, and continuing with the example above, thegeographic position locator can detect the surrounding geographicenvironment within the coffee shop in relation to its own positiontherein. Therefore, the signal-generated geographic position locatorcan, for example transmit initial detecting pulse signals to detect theinterior design or interior layout of the coffee shop. In an alternativeexample, the signal-generated geographic position locator can establishcommunication with a Master device within the coffee shop such as anAccess Point wherein the Master device can provide the interior designor interior layout instantly.

[0037] After determining the immediate surrounding geographic area inrelation to its own position, the signal-generated geographic positionlocator can determine the distance range of available wireless devicesby way of the examples mentioned above. The steps of determining thedistance range can include the steps transmitting signals within thesurrounding environment, receiving one or more second signal(s), andmeasuring the total propagation time, etc.

[0038] Once the signal-generated geographic position locator hasidentify the available wireless devices and has also determined thedistance range of each available wireless devices in relation to its ownposition, the geographic position locator can thereafter determine thecoordinates of each available wireless device based on information suchas the distance range information, the surrounding geographicenvironment information, the global geographic positioning information,and etc. The coordinates of each available wireless device can therebyhelp to determine the geographic position of each available device atstep 310.

[0039] Having determined all the necessary information with respect tothe geographic position of each available wireless device, thesignal-generated geographic position locator can display the geographiclocation of each available device on a display. In other words, the usercan be provided with a display showing a geographic map overlay of thecoffee shop, and indicated on the map overlay are the geographicpositions of the available wireless devices within the coffee shop inrelation to the user's own position therein.

[0040] Once the power output control device has determined either thedistance range location information and/or the geographic positionlocation information, the power output control device can establishcommunication with one or more of the identified wireless devices at anadjusted power output level at step 315 of FIG. 3.

[0041] Suppose for example that a power output control device is locatedin a wireless network configuration 210 as shown in FIG. 2. The poweroutput control device can function as an Access Point and can beconnected to a wired LAN such as the LAN 205 of FIG. 2. Within thewireless network configuration, there can be other wireless devices. Inthis example, the power output control device can function as the masterdevice where all communications between the wireless devices or and allcommunications between the wireless devices and the wired network can gothrough the power output control device functioning an Access Point.

[0042] Accordingly, the power output control device can determine thelocation information such as the distance range location informationand/or the geographic position location of each of the wireless devicesby first transmitting signals such as UWB signals within the wirelessnetwork at a maximum or default range corresponding to a maximum ordefault power level, and subsequently receiving signals from thewireless devices. Once the location information of each of the wirelessdevices is determined, any communication between the power outputcontrol device and any one of the wireless device will be based on anadjusted power level. In other words, each wireless device within thewireless network will have initial location information associatedtherewith. Based on the location information, the power output controldevice can adjust the power output level in relation to each wirelessdevice when transmitting a signal thereto. Similarly, the wirelessdevice communicating with the power output control device can alsoadjust its power output level based on the communication protocol set bythe communication link. For instance, if a wireless device is 5 metersaway from the power output control device, device can control the poweroutput corresponding to the 5 meters and transmit signals accordingly.

[0043] After an initial adjustment of the power output level is madebased on an initial determination of the location information of adevice, the transmission of signals between the power output controldevice and the wireless device can be set at the adjusted power outputlevel, whereby the power output control device and the wireless devicecan continue to communicate with each other at the adjusted power outputlevel. However, in order to optimize the control of power output, thepower output control device can periodically readjust or refresh thepower output level at step 325.

[0044] If the location information of a wireless device does not changeduring a communication session, then the power output control device cantransmit signals to the wireless device at the same initial adjustedpower level at step 335. However, because a wireless device can bemobile and that the location information of the wireless device canoften change after the initial determination of the locationinformation, the power output control device of the present inventioncan readjust or refresh the power output level periodically to updatethe optimization of the power consumption.

[0045] In one example, the power output control device can readjust thepower output level when the device receives and records an amount oferrors over a predetermined threshold level within the signals receivedat step 330 of FIG. 3. In other words, suppose a power output controldevice has initially determined the location information a particularwireless device. And based on the location information determined, thepower output control device has readjusted and set its power outputlevel accordingly to optimize the power usage. The power output controldevice and the wireless device establish a communication session wherecommunication signals are transmitted to and from one device to anotherat the initially set power output level. However, during thecommunication session, the wireless device moves 15 meters away from thepower output control device. Thereafter, the power output control devicestarts to detect and record weak signal transmissions containing signalerrors therein from the wireless device. Once the power output controldevice detects errors within the signal transmission, the power outputcontrol device initiates an error detecting algorithm to determinevarious information such as the type of errors, the possible causes ofthe errors and if the detected amount of errors equals to or exceeds apredetermined threshold level. If the result of the algorithm indicatesthat a readjustment is required, then the power output control devicecan re-determine the location information of the wireless device andbased on the new location information of the wireless device, the poweroutput control device can readjust and set the power output levelaccordingly.

[0046] In another example, the power output control device can alsoreadjust the power output level when said device receives and records astrong transmission signal from a wireless device at step 330 of FIG. 3.This can generally occur when the power output level and the wirelessdevice are transmitting signal to and from one another with a poweroutput level significantly over and above the required amount. In otherwords, suppose a power output control device has initially determinedthe location information of a particular wireless device. And based onthe determined location information, the power output control device hasreadjusted and set its power output level accordingly to optimize thepower usage. The power output control device and the wireless deviceestablish a communication session where communication signals aretransmitted to and from one device to another at the initially set poweroutput level. During this communication session, however, the wirelessdevice moves 10 meters closer to the power output control device.Thereafter, the power output control device starts to detect and recorda significant change in the signal transmissions from the wirelessdevice. The power output control device is being “blasted” with strongtransmissions signals from the wireless device. Once the power outputcontrol device detects such a condition, the power output control devicecan initiate a transmission signal over-strength algorithm to access thecondition and gather information such as the frequency of the strongsignals, the strength level of the signals, and whether the detectedamount of signal level is over a predetermined threshold level. If theresult of the algorithm indicates that a readjustment is appropriate,then the power output control device can re-determine the locationinformation of the wireless device and based on the new locationinformation of the wireless device, the power output control device canreadjust and set the power output level accordingly.

[0047] In yet another example, the power output control device canrefresh the power output level when a predetermined amount of time haslapsed at step 330. In other words, suppose a power output controldevice has initially determined the location information a particularwireless device. And based on the location information determined, thepower output control device readjusted and set its power output levelaccordingly to optimize the power usage. The power output control deviceand the wireless device establish a communication session wherecommunication signals are transmitted to and from one device to anotherat the initial set power output level. However, during the communicationsession, the wireless device relocates and changes it locationinformation with respect to the power output control device. However,the relocation of the wireless device does not cause the power outputcontrol device to receive errors in the transmission signals nor does itcause the power output control device to receive strong levels oftransmission signals. Thereafter, the power output control device ofthis example can automatically refresh its power output level after thepassing of a predetermined amount of time. The power output controldevice can re-determine the location information of the wireless deviceand based the new location information of the wireless device, the poweroutput control device can readjust and set the power output levelaccordingly.

[0048] It is noted that the power output control device of the examplesabove can initially transmit signals at a maximum or default poweroutput level to determine the initial location information of and/orestablish communication with the wireless devices. Thereafter, the poweroutput control device can readjust and lower or raise the power outputlevel to the appropriate level by fine tuning to adapt to theenvironment due to interferences and obstructions such as walls andobjects. Also, the power output control device can be a master deviceand set the communication protocol with a slave wireless device, wherebythe master device can control the slave device to also transmit at theadjusted optimal output level.

[0049] One embodiment illustrating the above examples can be implementedin an environment such as a business office environment. The businessoffice environment of this example can be configured to have a wirelessnetwork infrastructure similar to the wireless network infrastructure asshown in FIG. 2. The wireless network infrastructure can, for example,be located in a business office space. The business office's wirelessnetwork can contain a power output control device functioning as amaster device and as an Access Point. The power output control devicecan be connected to a wired LAN, such as the Ethernet LAN. In addition,the business office's wireless network can contain one or more wirelessdevices located within the wireless network. The power output controldevice can act as a master device since all communications between thewireless devices, or between the wireless devices and the wired networkcan go through the power output control device. In addition, the poweroutput control device and the wireless device can contain a powercontrol system therein.

[0050] Suppose for example, the power output control device along withthe wireless devices within the business office's wireless network areactivated. The power output control device thereafter determines thelocation information of each wireless device within the office space.Upon determining the location information of each wireless device, thepower output control device can adjust the power output level withrespect to the location information determined.

[0051] Further suppose for this example that user X is using wirelessdevice X, user Y is using wireless device Y and user Z is using wirelessdevice Z. Based on the initial determination of their locationinformation, wireless device X is 5 meters away, wireless device Y is 10meters away, and wireless device Z is 15 meters away. At some timeduring the day, users X, Y and Z initiate communications with the poweroutput control device. Accordingly, the power output control deviceestablishes a communication session with each of the wireless devices,and sets the communication protocol which can include setting the poweroutput level. Thereafter, communication signals are transmitted to andfrom each wireless device X, Y, Z to the power output control device attheir respective adjusted power level. It is noted that the power outputcontrol device can transmit signals in device-specific bursts. In otherwords, the power output control device can transmit a burst of signal ata power output level X for wireless device X, and can transmit a burstof signal at a power output level Y for wireless device Y right after.

[0052] Continuing with the example, suppose at some time during thecommunication sessions, user X takes wireless device X and moves to anew work location 8 meters away. Similarly, user Y and wireless device Yrelocates to a work location 3 meters away, and user Z and wirelessdevice Z moves 3 meters and are 12 meters away from the master device.After the relocation of the wireless devices X, Y, and Z, the masterdevice detects frequent and significant amount of errors within thesignals received from wireless device X. Also, the master devicereceives signals from wireless device Y having repeated strong signallevel, but does not receive any changes in the signals received fromwireless device Z.

[0053] The master device receives and records such conditions andthereby initiates the respective algorithms to determine if areadjusting of power output level is necessary.

[0054] Suppose for this example that the signals received and recordedfrom wireless devices X and Y are such that they trigger the poweroutput control device to readjust the power output level by determiningthe new location information of the devices. Upon transmitting andreceiving location information signals, the power control output devicedetermines the new location information for wireless device X is 8meters away rather than 5 meters away, and that wireless device Y is now3 meters away rather than 10 meters away. Based on the new locationinformation of wireless devices X and Y, the power output control devicereadjusts the power output level and sets them at the new level.

[0055] As for device Z, the power output control device can after thepassing of a predetermined amount of time, refresh the power outputlevel by determining new location information for wireless device Z.

[0056]FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a hardware configuration thatcan determine the location information of wireless devices and controlthe power output level with respect to the determined locationinformation, in accordance with the present invention. In addition, thehardware configuration of FIG. 4 can be in an integrated, modular andsingle chip solution, and therefore can be embodied on a semiconductorsubstrate, such as silicon. Alternatively, the hardware configuration ofFIG. 4 can be a plurality of discrete components on a circuit board. Theconfiguration can also be implemented as a general purpose deviceconfigured to implement the invention with software.

[0057]FIG. 4 illustrates a power output control device 400 configured todetermine the location information of wireless devices, and adjustingthe power output level with respect to the determined locationinformation. The power output control device 400 contains a receiver 405and a transmitter 410. The transmitter 410 can transmit electromagneticsignals as well as various other signals such as UWB signals. Thetransmitter 410 can transmit signals in short pulses in short dutycycles. In the alternative, the receiver 405 can receive electromagneticsignals as well as various other signals including UWB signals.

[0058] Furthermore, the power output control device 400 can include apower unit 415 and a memory 435. The power unit 415 can store and supplythe power source to operated the power output control device 400. Inother words, the power unit 415 can be a battery or a power packethoused in the power output control device 400. Furthermore, the memory435 can store information such as geographic maps, algorithms todetermine errors within the received signals, and algorithms todetermine if the received signals is too strong, or can store defaultvalues and look-up table, etc.

[0059]FIG. 4 also shows a processing unit 420, and a range/geographicprocessing unit 425 for determining the location information of thewireless devices. It is noted that the range/geographic processing unit425 can be separate processing units. It is further noted that althoughthe range/geographic processing unit 425 is shown to be within theprocessing unit 420, the range/geographic processing unit 425 can be aseparate and distinct processing unit from the processing unit 420.

[0060] Therefore, the processing unit 420 can be the main processingunit and can process functions that are outside the functions of therange/geographic processing unit 425. The range/geographic positionprocessing unit 425 can therefore perform all the functions and tasksrelated to the determining of the location information of the availablewireless devices. For instance, the range/geographic processing unit 425can measure or calculate the period of time period from the time a firstsignal is transmitted to the time a second signal is received.Similarly, the range/geographic position processing unit 425 can performall the functions and tasks related to the determining of the geographicposition of the available wireless devices. These processing functionscan include determining the geographic coordinates of the availablewireless devices within the surrounding geographic environment of thepower output control device 400.

[0061] Furthermore, FIG. 4 includes a power adjusting unit 430 and adisplay 440. The power adjusting unit 430 can process and determineinformation such as the error level of a received signal, the signalstrength of a received signal, what output level corresponds to aparticular location information, etc. The display 440 can be a plasmadisplay, a LCD display or various other types of display for displayingmultimedia information.

[0062]FIG. 5 illustrates an examples of the display format in accordancewith the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a displayformat 500 showing the power output level information along with variousother information.

[0063] Main display area 505 of FIG. 5 can represent a main portion ofthe display 500 and can be used to display information related to aseparate task running in tandem with the power output control devicelocator. For example, the main display area 505 can display a WWW webpage if the user has accessed the Internet. In another example, the maindisplay area 505 can display multimedia information from an e-mailreceived by the user.

[0064] Furthermore, display 500 of FIG. 5 can contain tools/informationdisplay area 510. This display area 510 can display icons and/or toolsfor accessing specific applications or functions. These icons can eitherbe related to the power output control device or can be separateapplication modules unrelated to the device locator. For example, a usercan access the e-mail feature by actuating a mail envelope or a similaricon, or the user can actuate the house icon to establish a connectionwith the Internet and access a home page.

[0065] The tools/information display area 510 can contain informationrelated to power control such as a power level indicator 515, and thepower output level and the signal strength indicator 520.

[0066] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand thatthe invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in adifferent order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations whichare different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although theinvention has been described based upon these preferred embodiments, itwould be apparent to those of skill in the art that certainmodifications, variations, and alternative constructions would beapparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.In order to determine the metes and bounds of the invention, therefore,reference should be made to the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A method of adjusting power output of a device in awireless network, said method comprising the steps of: activating apower control device; transmitting a first signal from the power controldevice; receiving a second signal at the power control device;determining a location information on at least one wireless device basedon the first signal and the second signal; and adjusting a power outputlevel corresponding to the location information.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising the step of: transmitting a third signal from thepower control device at the adjusted power output level.
 3. The methodof claim 2, wherein the step of transmitting a first signal comprisesthe step of: transmitting the first in pulses at a predetermined powerlevel.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:adjusting the power output level when a predetermined period of time haslapsed.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of:adjusting the power output level when the second signal contains anamount of errors equals to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.
 6. Themethod of claim 3, further comprising the step of: adjusting the poweroutput level when the second signal contains a power saturated signal.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the locationinformation comprises the steps of: determining at least one distancerange information; and determining at least one geographic positioninformation.
 8. A power control device for adjusting power output levelsof a device in wireless network, said power control device comprising: atransmitter configured to transmit a first signal; a receiver configuredto receive a second signal; a processing unit configured to determine alocation information on at least one wireless device based on the firstsignal and the second signal; and a power adjusting unit configured toadjust a power output level corresponding to the location information.9. The power control device of claim 8, wherein the transmitter isconfigured to transmit a third signal from the power control device atthe adjusted power output level.
 10. The power control device of claim9, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the first signal inpulses at a predetermined power level.
 11. The power control device ofclaim 10, wherein the power adjusting unit is configured to adjust thepower output level when a predetermined period of time has lapsed. 12.The power control device of claim 10, wherein the power adjusting unitis configured to adjust the power output level when the second signalcontains an amount of errors equals to or exceeds a predeterminedthreshold.
 13. The power control device of claim 12, wherein the poweradjusting unit is configured to adjust the power output level when thesecond signal contains a power saturated signal.
 14. The power controldevice of claim 7, wherein the processing unit is configured todetermine at least one distance range based on the first signal and thesecond signal; and wherein the processing unit is configured todetermine at least one geographic position based on the first signal andthe second signal.
 15. A system for adjusting power output of a wirelessdevice in a wireless network, said system comprising: an activatingmeans for activating a power control device; a transmitting means fortransmitting a first signal from the power control device; a receivingmeans for receiving a second signal at the power control device; adetermining means for determining a location information on at least onewireless device based on the first signal and the second signal; and anadjusting means for adjusting a power output level corresponding to thelocation information.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein thetransmitting means transmits a third signal at the adjusted power outputlevel.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the transmitting meanstransmits the first signal in pulses at a predetermined power level. 18.The system of claim 17, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the poweroutput level when a predetermined period of time has lapsed. 19 Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the power outputlevel when the second signal contains an amount of errors equals to orexceeds a predetermined threshold.
 20. The system of claim 17, whereinthe adjusting means adjusts the power output level when the secondsignal contains a power saturated signal.
 21. The system of claim 15,wherein the determining means determines at least one distance rangeinformation, and wherein the determining means determines at least onegeographic position information.
 22. A method of controllingtransmission signal levels of a device in a wireless network, saidmethod comprising the steps of: determining a location information of adevice; and transmitting a signal for controlling transmission signallevels of the device, wherein the transmission signal levels do notcause transmission interference.
 23. A transmission signal levelcontrolling device for controlling the transmission signal levels of adevice in wireless network, said device comprising: a determination unitconfigured to determine a location information of a device; and atransmitting unit configured to transmit a signal to adjust transmissionsignal levels of the device, wherein the transmission signal levels donot cause transmission interference.
 24. A system for controllingtransmission signal levels of a wireless device in a wireless network,said system comprising: a determining means for determining a locationinformation of a device; and a transmission means for transmitting asignal for controlling transmission signal levels of the device, whereinthe transmission signal levels do not cause transmission interference.